Melvin Joseph Haskamp, age 95, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024. Born on August 2, 1929, in Aholt, Missouri, he was the eldest of eight children born to Henry and Frances (Hackman) Haskamp.

Melvin attended grade school in a one-room country schoolhouse in the Aholt bottom. He had many fond memories of growing up, hunting and trapping with his brothers. He went on to serve his country in the Korean War as a military policeman, fingerprinting prisoners of war. After his service, Melvin knew there was “no place like home” and returned to Missouri to dedicate his life to farming and family.

On a Wednesday in April of 1962, Melvin married Eileen Reich. They were the last couple to be married at All Saints Catholic Church in West Glasgow. Together, they built a loving life and home on a hill just north of Glasgow, overlooking the farmland where Melvin grew up. They raised three children who strive to carry forward their parents’ values of hard work, love, and laughter.

A hardworking and successful farmer, he cultivated the Aholt bottom with pride and dedication, even attempting the occasional rain dance when the weather demanded it. His love for farming was not only his livelihood but also a legacy he passed along to his son, John, who he was both a mentor to and a best friend.

Melvin was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He never met a stranger and shared many laughs with friends during mornings at the local coffee shop. Melvin’s legacy of love, perseverance, and humor will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Melvin is survived by his wife of the home, Eileen Haskamp, and their children: Gina Enyeart (Keytesville), John Haskamp and wife, Denise (Glasgow), and Susan Shank and husband, Tracey (Kansas City).  He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, Loren (Amber) Enyeart, Clayton (Alyson) Enyeart, Jordan (Kylee) Enyeart, Isobel (Adam) Monnig, Jackson (Meredith) Haskamp, Olivia Haskamp, Harrison Shank, and Quincy Shank; and four great grand-children, Abram, Aubrey, Adrian, and Bodhi.  He is also survived by two brothers, James Haskamp and Norman Haskamp of Glasgow.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Daniel Enyeart, and siblings, Henry Haskamp Jr., Thomas Haskamp, Leanna (Haskamp) Johnson, Leon Haskamp, and Robert Haskamp.

A rosary will be said at 4:30 pm, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Glasgow, with a visitation immediately following from 5-7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Monday, December 30, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Glasgow. Burial will be held at Washington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary School of Glasgow, Mo. Educational Fund, or St. Mary Church, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, Mo., 65254.